German Professor denies internship to Indian student; is rape the new racial stereotype?

An Indian male student was denied an internship at the University of Leipzig by a female biochemistry professor citing India`s rape problem as the reason.

“I have many female friends in my group, so I think this attitude is something I cannot support,” was Professor Annette Beck-Sickinger`s argument.

Fortunately for the student the issue was taken up by the German Embassy in India. German Ambassador, Michael Steiner wrote to the professor, who subsequently issued an apology.

The incident followed the banning of BBC documentary, India`s Daughter by the Indian government which has lead to a lot of criticism around the world.

Is the International reaction called for?

One of the most scathing attacks on Indian men came from Kuwait Times which ran a story titled ‘Rapist’s views reflect those of many in India – Indian men ‘blame women for rape’. For Kuwait, a country famous for minimal women rights, a country with no laws against sexual harassment or domestic violence, such comments do not stand true to its self made image.

How do the developed nations fare?

7th March 2015, Leeds – ‘An 18 year old woman raped and ‘left of dead’ in Leeds assault’

8th March 2015, Oxfordshire – The defence lawyer of the gang of five men accused of subjecting six schoolgirls to ‘horrific’ sexual abuse said that the girls came forward because ‘it’s better to be a victim than a slag’.

A number of similar stories make headlines in national UK newspapers every single day. According to credible factual data, developed countries make up for majority of the rape cases recorded against women around the world. 1 in every 6 women faces a rape attempt in the perennial world power, USA. In UK, a government report released in 2013 stated that 1 in 5 women above the age of 16 was subjected to some form of sexual abuse.

Is India alone?

The menace of rape and violence against women exists worldwide and making India the lone scapegoat isn’t going to solve the problem. In Mexico, on an average, six women are murdered each day. So despicable is Mexico’s situation that the UN termed it as ‘femicide’ in the country. In 2006, a 14-year-old Iraqi girl was raped and killed by five U.S. soldiers near Al-Mahmudiyah town, Iraq. To destroy any evidence, she was shot in her head and the soldiers set the lower part of her body on fire. Known as the country exhibiting the best ‘gender equality’ stats in the world, Sweden holds the dubious distinction of recording the highest number of rape cases in Europe. The ‘sick’ thinking of men behind such crimes exists everywhere in the world, including India.

FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in El Paso, Texas, Feb. 11, 2019. The British Broadcasting Corporation has asked the White House for a review of security arrangements after a BBC cameraman was assaulted at the rally. VOA

The British Broadcasting Corporation is asking the White House for a security review after a BBC cameraman was attacked at a Trump rally Monday night in El Paso, Texas.

Camera Ron Skeans was unhurt after a Trump supporter wearing a trademark “Make America Great Again” hat jumped onto the media platform and started shoving him.

BBC reporter Gary O’Donoghue said the man tried to smash the camera before he was restrained. He could be heard yelling profanities at TV reporters and crews as another Trump supporter pulled him away.

President Trump paused, asked if everything was “OK,” and continued his speech about building a border wall, and talking more about the “totally dishonest media.”

Democrats Seek Voting Rights, Campaign Spending Reforms

O’Donoghue says the attack came after Trump “repeatedly goaded the crowd over supposed media bias.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Tuesday “President Trump condemns all acts of violence against any individual or group of people, including members of the press. We ask that anyone attending an event to do so in a peaceful and respectful manner.”

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said journalists should never be assaulted for just doing their jobs.

“There is a broader issue here, which is that last year, 80 journalists were killed across the world. … We are very worried about this,” he said.

A BBC bureau chief said there was no security around the media platform, and no policemen intervened during or after the cameraman was assaulted.

The media has been one of Trump’s chief targets for insults since he started his presidential campaign. He has berated reporters during news conferences, accused television networks of lying, and constantly refers to The New York Times — the country’s premier newspaper — as “failing” and “gutless.” (VOA)